Non-Toxic Wood Finishes: Is Rubio Monocoat Better Than Traditional Options?

What’s the best wood finish for your home when balancing aesthetics, durability, and eco-friendliness? This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and costs of Rubio Monocoat versus traditional finishes to help you decide.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. No additional cost for you. Read about our privacy policy.

When it comes to choosing the best wood finish for your home, the options can feel overwhelming. Do you stick with traditional finishes that have been around for decades, or embrace the innovative, eco-conscious appeal of Rubio Monocoat? As more homeowners focus on sustainable living and indoor air quality, this debate has gained momentum. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences, pros, and cons of Rubio Monocoat versus traditional wood finishes to help you make an informed decision for your home.

What Is Rubio Monocoat?

Rubio Monocoat is a modern, plant-based wood finish renowned for its single-layer application and eco-friendly formula. Unlike traditional wood finishes that rely on multiple coats and solvents, Rubio Monocoat bonds directly with the wood fibers, creating a durable, matte finish with just one layer. It’s VOC-free, making it an excellent option for eco-conscious living.

In addition to its eco-friendly credentials, Rubio Monocoat is available in a wide range of colors, from warm naturals to bold, modern hues. This versatility makes it an appealing choice for both contemporary and classic designs.

Traditional Wood Finishes: The Old Standby

Traditional finishes like polyurethane, stains, shellac, and varnish have been go-to options for decades. They provide varying levels of gloss, durability, and resistance to water and scratches. However, many of these finishes contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that release harmful fumes during application and curing.

While traditional finishes can deliver a high-shine look and long-lasting protection, they often require multiple coats, sanding between layers, and a lengthy drying time. These factors can make them less convenient and more labor-intensive for DIY enthusiasts.

Key Differences Between Rubio Monocoat & Traditional Wood Finishes

Feature	Rubio Monocoat	Traditional Finishes
Application	One coat	Multiple coats, sanding required inbetween
Drying Time	Fast, within hours; Cure rate varies	Longer, often 24+ hours
Durability	High, with regular maintenance	High, but may yellow or chip over time
Toxicity	VOC-free, non-toxic	Often contains VOCs
Aesthetic	Matte, natural look	Glossy to matte, depending on product
Maintenance	Spot repairable	Requires re-sanding and reapplication

Why Choose Rubio Monocoat?

If sustainability and indoor air quality top your list of priorities, Rubio Monocoat is a game-changer. Its non-toxic formula makes it safe for families and pets, even during application. Plus, the single-layer application saves time, making it ideal for busy DIYers or professionals who value efficiency.

Rubio Monocoat enhances the natural beauty of the wood, giving it a matte, organic look that aligns with modern, minimalist design trends. Unlike some traditional finishes that can obscure the grain, Rubio allows the wood’s character to shine through.

Perfect For:

Families with children or pets
DIYers looking for a fast, foolproof application
Eco-conscious homeowners seeking non-toxic solutions

The Appeal and Drawbacks of Traditional Finishes

Convenience: The Home Improvement Store Factor

One reason traditional finishes remain popular is accessibility. Most local hardware or home improvement stores, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, stock a wide range of these products. For a quick, off-the-shelf solution, this convenience is appealing. However, the vast majority of these finishes, whether stains, polyurethane, or varnish, emit harmful VOCs.

Sadly, nontoxic options like Rubio Monocoat are rarely available at such retailers, pushing homeowners and DIYers toward finishes that compromise air quality. Eco-conscious individuals have to be a little more intentional and plan ahead to order non-toxic products (luckily Rubio has always been fast to ship!).

The Science Behind the Choices

Health and Environmental Impacts of Traditional Wood Finishes

Traditional wood finishes emit high levels of VOCs, which can persist in indoor air for extended periods. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor VOC concentrations can be 2–5 times higher than outdoor levels and spike up to 1,000 times during application. VOC exposure has been linked to headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation, and long-term exposure may lead to more severe health risks, such as liver damage or cancer (Adamová et al., 2020).

In contrast, Rubio Monocoat’s zero-VOC formula eliminates these risks, making it particularly safe for children, pregnant individuals, and those with chemical sensitivities (UL Environment Study).

Sustainability Benefits

Rubio Monocoat’s single-layer application reduces material waste and overall resource consumption, aligning with eco-conscious lifestyles and environmental regulations like GREENGUARD Gold standards. Check out all Rubio’s third-party tests and certifications!

Cost Comparison: Breaking It Down

Rubio Monocoat’s upfront cost might seem steep. A small can could set you back $50–$70, compared to $20–$40 for a gallon of traditional polyurethane or $40-$50 for a traditional stain. But consider the hidden costs:

Application Efficiency: Rubio Monocoat requires only one coat, while a coat or two of stain is needed, plus then a top coat of a traditional polyurethane finish, which often needs three coats plus sanding between layers.
Long-Term Maintenance: Rubio allows for spot repairs without re-sanding the entire surface, whereas traditional finishes often require full reapplication over time.
Costs: At first glance, it seems more expensive to buy a tiny can of Rubio. However, if you do the math based on the spread rates, coverage, and recommended number of coats of traditional finishes like stain and polyurethane, then you’ll see it actually costs more.
- The math below in the images illustrates the cost comparison:
- Rubio only $0.13 – $0.20 per square foot
- Polyurethane is $0.16 – $0.68 per square foot
  (this doesn’t include the added costs of stain under the poly!)

Check out our breakdown in more detail in our YouTube video. We did the math for you, and used a real DIY project we did. It highlights how a single Rubio application for a medium-sized coffee table cost $65, compared to over $100 for traditional finishes, once additional layers, sandpaper, and time were factored in.

Additional Considerations

Longevity and Wear

While Rubio Monocoat is highly durable with proper maintenance, it does require occasional reapplication in high-traffic areas. Traditional finishes may offer longer intervals between reapplications but often yellow over time or require extensive refinishing.

Environmental Footprint

Rubio Monocoat stands out not only for its low VOCs but also for its production process, which prioritizes renewable resources. Many traditional finishes rely on petroleum-based solvents, contributing to a larger carbon footprint.

Which Is Better for Your Home?

The answer depends on your priorities. For eco-conscious living and a non-toxic home environment, Rubio Monocoat is the clear winner. It’s a smart choice for families, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint. On the other hand, if you’re after a high-gloss finish, traditional finishes might be the better option. Just make sure to wear protective gear to reduce your intake of harmful VOCs.

More Eco DIY & Rubio

When choosing between Rubio Monocoat and traditional wood finishes, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each. If you’re leaning toward an eco-friendly option that’s safe, easy to apply, and stunningly beautiful, Rubio Monocoat is worth it!

Whether you’re refinishing your floors, furniture, or any wooden surface, the right finish can elevate your home’s aesthetic while aligning with your values.

Check out more of our in-depth Rubio Monocoat articles on each type of finish they have and applications!

How To Make DIY Floating Shelves – Live Edge Wood Shelves For Kitchen

7 Steps to Planning & Designing A Terraced Vegetable Garden

Eco-friendly Building Materials & Products: A Guide For DIYers & Homeowners

Have you tried Rubio Monocoat or traditional wood finishes? Share your experience in the comments below! For more tips on sustainable home improvement, follow along with Big Living Little Footprint.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.